Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Dissatisfaction with one’s nasal appearance is a common insecurity among patients of all ethnicities. Rhinoplasty is performed to refine nasal contours and improve facial harmony. While the goal of all rhinoplasty procedures remains generally consistent, how the desired results are achieved differs significantly between different ethnicities. Although there is no ethnic facial standard, all ethnicities share certain traits and characteristics that require specific techniques when it comes to rhinoplasty. Between these anatomical differences and the fact that the ideals of beauty shift between cultures, rhinoplasty must be tailored to the patient’s ethnicity and performed by an ethnic rhinoplasty specialist like Mr Gwanmesia. Ethnic rhinoplasty enhances nasal appearance while preserving patients’ cultural identity.

Enhancing Your Ethnic Rhinoplasty Results

Each ethnicity has differing opinions about what is aesthetically beautiful and culturally proper. The idea of ethnic rhinoplasty is to address each patient’s nasal concerns without hindering or altering the unique cultural characteristics that define them.

The goal of any facial cosmetic procedure is to ensure and enhance facial proportions and harmony. All techniques used and adjustments made during ethnic rhinoplasty must move toward creating a balanced appearance that meets both aesthetic and ethnic desires.

As anatomical structures and sizes of facial features vary between ethnicities, ethnic rhinoplasty must be individualized to meet each patient’s specific cosmetic concerns. Skin type, texture and thickness as well as cartilage thickness are evaluated to match the patient with the proper technique.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty Techniques

West Asian

Patients of West Asian descent, such as those from Iran, Iraq and Turkey, tend to desire adjustment of a prominent hump on the bridge of the nose as well as the rotation of a drooping and poorly supported nasal tip. Additionally, the nostrils may be narrowed to create a balance between the chin, nose and eyes.

South Asian

Patients of South Asian descent, such as those from India and Pakistan, tend to have a shorter, narrower midface that causes the surrounding facial features to appear larger. Patients desiring South Asian rhinoplasty traditionally want adjustment of a prominent nasal hump and adjustment to the nasal tip position, as there is often a lower nasolabial angle between the tip and the top of the lip. This drooping tip causes the nose to appear elongated and larger than it is.

African & Caribbean

Patients of African and Caribbean descent traditionally have thicker skin paired with weaker cartilage. This combination causes the nose to lack projection, resulting in a flatter bridge and broader, flared nostrils. Most African and Caribbean rhinoplasty procedures involve narrowing the nostrils while adding structure and projection to the bridge and tip of the nose.

East Asian

Patients of East Asian descent, such as Chinese and Japanese patients, tend to have nasal tips that are shorter and more upturned. This may contribute to rounded, flared nostrils. The goal in East Asian rhinoplasty is to refine the nasal tip and add strength and structure to the nose so that there is proper projection and balance between the nose and the eyes.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty Surgery Concerns

Recovery

You will be fitted with a nasal cast immediately after your surgery to maintain the newly defined nasal structure. Ethnic rhinoplasty results in bruising and swelling that can last anywhere from six weeks to several months. Patients traditionally return to work after one week and resume all normal activities after four weeks.

Scars

Generally, either open or closed rhinoplasty can be used during an ethnic rhinoplasty procedure. If the closed approach is used, there is no visible scarring. A small scar is present between the nostrils after an open rhinoplasty procedure; however, Mr Gwanmesia puts great effort into making this as inconspicuous as possible. Scarring will fade over time.

Pain

Mr Gwanmesia performs ethnic rhinoplasty under general anaesthesia to ensure a comfortable and painless procedure. Following your surgery, it is common to experience bruising and swelling. Prescribed pain medication remedies any discomfort or pain.

*Results may vary from patient to patient. There is no guarantee of outcome.

Patient Testimonials

M.Y.

Kind, caring, good listener and supportive throughout all surgery before and after. Always took the time to listen to my concerns and was open and honest also giving realistic advice. Thank you

A.W.R.

I can only speak very highly of Ivo and have had an excellent experience from my first interaction with him. He spent a significant amount of time discussing what I wanted and how he would achieve this during consultation. This was something other surgeons didn’t do or didn’t give me confidence in them. During the day of the surgery I wasn’t nervous, however Ivo has a very calming persona. The aftercare provided was better than I would have expected and found that should there have been any issues I could have made contact at any time with Ivo. I was unwell unrelated to the surgery, and contacted Ivo late one evening as I was concerned in case the GP needed to be aware of anything. I didn’t expect to hear from him until the following day, however he called that evening to see how I was. This was excellent aftercare beyond my expectations. Ivo has also shared my photos pre and post op.

M.F.

I met Dr Gwanmesia in February 2015. He was immediately very professional, very trustworthy and he certainly knew what he was talking about. In our first consultation, Dr Gwanmesia examined me and I could tell he knew what he was doing as he was focusing on the parts of my nose that were different. After surgery, he met with my family and clearly explained what he had done and gave them the opportunity to ask questions. My family were very impressed with his professionalism, even though this was the first time they had met him. Dr Gwanmesia has done a great job and I am very grateful that I got the right surgeon for me.

Any non-Caucasian patients who suffer from dissatisfaction and insecurity with their nasal structure are candidates for ethnic rhinoplasty. All candidates should be in good general health and have realistic expectations of their results.

If a previous rhinoplasty left you with subpar, non-ethnically tailored results, revision ethnic rhinoplasty could address your concerns. It is important to wait at least a year after the initial rhinoplasty procedure to ensure that all healing is complete.

Yes. It is vital that you quit smoking at least four weeks before your ethnic rhinoplasty. Smoking reduces blood flow, putting you at a greater risk of complications during the procedure as well as during your recovery.

A deviated septum, where one side of the nasal passage is larger than the other and thus restricts airflow, can be repaired during your ethnic rhinoplasty to promote not only an aesthetically pleasing nose but also a well-functioning one.

Contact us to learn more

Fill out the form below or call us at Tel: 02074741300 with any questions or comments you have.